Living With the End in Mind

Text: 2 Timothy 4:6-8

Title: “Living With the End in Mind”

Four things we will want to be able to say we did when we get to the end of our life:

I. Our life was a SACRIFICE for the salvation and spiritual growth of others (vs6)

Philippians 2:17 …But even if I am being poured out as a drink offering upon the sacrifice and service of your faith…

2 Corinthians 5:14-15 For the love of Christ controls us, having concluded this, that one died for all, therefore all died; ¹⁵ and He died for all, so that they who live might no longer live for themselves, but for Him who died and rose again on their behalf.

II. We FOUGHT THE FIGHT against the world, our flesh, and Satan every day (vs7a)

Ephesians 6:12 For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the powers, against the world forces of this darkness, against the spiritual forces of wickedness in the heavenly places.

1 Timothy 6:6-12

2 Corinthians 10:4-6  for the weapons of our warfare are not of the flesh, but divinely powerful for the destruction of fortresses. ⁵ We are destroying speculations and every lofty thing raised up against the knowledge of God, and we are taking every thought captive to the obedience of Christ

III. We practiced SELF-CONTROL and DISCIPLINED our lives so we were running to win (vs7b)

1 Corinthians 9:24-27  

IV. We persevered in these things through every SITUATION AND SEASON of life (vs7c)

This week’s Transformation Scripture: …hold fast the confession of our hope      without wavering, for He who promised is faithful.  Hebrews 10:23 (NASB)      (Crefs. -  1 Thess. 5:23-24, 2 Tim. 1:12-14, Hebrews 4:14-16)

Monday, 12-31-12 - Reflecting on Yesterday

1. Read 2 Timothy 4:6-8 and discuss Sunday’s sermon with someone.

2. Reflect back on your year, in what specific ways have you displayed these four characteristics in your life?

3. Reflect back on your year, what circumstances have you had to go through   which required specific focus on persevering in your faith? What                 circumstances do you anticipate in the coming up year that will require that?

Tuesday, 1-1-13 - Reflecting on this Past Sunday

1. Make a list and discuss with your family or friends specific ways that you can devote your life to the spiritual growth of others.

2. What habits are you being led to put to death so you will better know,       treasure and make Christ known in a deeper way?

3. What habits can you start by His grace this year that will help you know,    treasure and make Christ known in a deeper way?

4. Spend some time in prayer today asking God to lead you and give you the   ability to sacrifice your life for Him, fight the good fight, run the race, and   keep the faith more than ever before this year.

Wednesday, 1-2-13 - Reflecting on this Past Sunday

1. Reflect on the transformation verse Hebrews 10:23 and cross references listed after it. What do these verses have to teach us about persevering in our faith?

2. Read Hebrews 4:14-16. What does Jesus’ faithfulness allow us to do? How  does this relate to us persevering in the difficulties we face?

Thursday, 1-3-13 - Preparing for this upcoming Sunday

1. Read Luke 16:19-31. Write out what truths you discover concerning the “rich man” and Lazarus.

2. How would you describe hell to someone and what is the worst part about  hell?

Friday, 1-4-13 - Preparing Ourselves for this Sunday

1. Read Luke 16:19-31

2. How is the rich man described? (vs 19)

3. How is Lazarus life described? (vs 20)

4. What did the angels do? (vs 22)

5. What is revealed about heaven and hell? (vs 22-31)

6. How often do you think of heaven & how does your view of heaven prompt  you to live now in this world?

Saturday, 1-5-13 - Preparing for Tomorrow

1. Read Luke 16:19-31.

2. Why was it so important for the rich man to reach his brothers? (vs 30) Why was he only concerned about them?

3. Pray for yourself and others to have a heart for all those who do not yet know Christ.